Acebutolol
Acebutolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker primarily used to manage hypertension, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. This medication is often chosen when a patient needs beta-blocker therapy but may not tolerate non-selective beta-blockers due to respiratory conditions.
Acebutolol is a heart-selective beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C07AB04
- RxNorm
- 149
- Generic
- Acebutolol
- Class
- atc-c07
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring including heart rate assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
discontinue before delivery if possible; may cause neonatal bradycardia and hypotension
monitor neonate for signs of beta-blockade including bradycardia and hypoglycemia for 48-72 hours after delivery
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
monitor infant for signs of beta-blockade such as bradycardia and hypotension; consider alternative if infant is premature or has health issues
observe infant for symptoms of beta-blocker exposure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not established for use in pediatric population; limited safety and efficacy data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65start at lower dose
initiate therapy at low end of dosing range; monitor for orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia; increased sensitivity to beta-blocker effects
regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 50%
reduce dose in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min; monitor renal function closely
monitor renal function and serum drug levels periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction required
use with caution; significant dose reduction and extended dosing intervals recommended; consider alternative therapy
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatemonitor closely
no significant dosage adjustment required for mild hepatic impairment; use caution with moderate impairment
monitor liver function tests and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Acebutolol is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension and ventricular arrhythmias, and is commonly prescribed for angina pectoris (chest pain). It may also be used off-label in certain cardiovascular conditions.
As a cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, acebutolol reduces the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline on the heart. This lowers heart rate, decreases the force of heart contractions, and reduces blood pressure. It also has mild intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (partial agonist properties), which may make it gentler on resting heart rate compared to some other beta-blockers.
Do not stop taking acebutolol abruptly, as this can worsen chest pain or trigger a heart attack. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, or severe bradycardia, as beta-blockers can mask symptoms of low blood sugar and may worsen certain respiratory conditions. Alcohol may increase blood pressure-lowering effects. Always follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions carefully.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy